2 Chronicles 35 2

2 Chronicles 35:2 kjv

And he set the priests in their charges, and encouraged them to the service of the house of the LORD,

2 Chronicles 35:2 nkjv

And he set the priests in their duties and encouraged them for the service of the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 35:2 niv

He appointed the priests to their duties and encouraged them in the service of the LORD's temple.

2 Chronicles 35:2 esv

He appointed the priests to their offices and encouraged them in the service of the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 35:2 nlt

Josiah also assigned the priests to their duties and encouraged them in their work at the Temple of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 35 verses

2 Chronicles 35 2 Meaning

2 Chronicles 35:2 describes King Josiah's specific actions to re-establish proper worship and service within the Temple in Jerusalem. He organized and appointed the priests and Levites into their designated groups and functions according to the ancient statutes. He also strengthened and encouraged them in their duties, urging them to diligently perform their service in the house of the Lord. This verse highlights Josiah's hands-on leadership and his commitment to restoring the prescribed order of the Mosaic law and Davidic regulations concerning Temple ministry.

2 Chronicles 35 2 Context

2 Chronicles 35:2 is situated within the account of King Josiah's reign, specifically detailing his actions in preparing for the greatest Passover celebration since the days of Samuel (2 Chr 35:18). This verse follows Josiah's sweeping religious reforms described in Chapter 34, where he initiated a complete cleansing of Judah and Jerusalem from idolatry, purged cultic sites, destroyed high places, and repaired the desecrated Temple. The finding of the Book of the Law during the Temple repair spurred Josiah to a profound commitment to full obedience. Having physically purified the land and restored the Temple structure, Josiah then turned his attention to revitalizing its spiritual operation, which necessitated the proper organization and encouragement of the priests and Levites who were responsible for all aspects of worship. Their re-establishment in their divinely appointed roles was crucial for the legitimate celebration of the Passover and for ongoing faithful service.

2 Chronicles 35 2 Word analysis

• And he appointed them (וַיַּעֲמִידֵם - vayya‘amiydem):

  • Word: יַעֲמִידֵם (ya'amiydehm) from the root עָמַד (amad), meaning "to stand, to remain, to endure." In the Hiphil stem, it means "to cause to stand, to set up, to appoint, to establish."
  • Significance: This implies a deliberate act of formal assignment and establishment. Josiah didn't just tell them to resume duties; he firmly set them in their places, perhaps recalling them from exile or restoring them from neglected status, and ensuring their stability in service. This suggests strong, active leadership in re-establishing order.

• in their divisions (בְּמַעֲמְדוֹתֵיהֶם - b’ma’amadoteyhem):

  • Word: מַעֲמְדוֹתֵיהֶם (ma'amodoteihem) from the same root עָמַד (amad). It refers to "standing places," "stations," or "appointed groups/divisions."
  • Significance: This points to the highly organized and hereditary system of service established by David (1 Chr 23-26) for the priests (sons of Aaron) and Levites. These were fixed groups serving in rotation, ensuring continuous and ordered Temple worship. Josiah’s action here was not innovative but a restoration of ancient, God-ordained practice that had been neglected or corrupted.

• according to their courses (לְמַחְלְקֹותֵיהֶם - lemaḥlĕqôteyhem): (Often implied or included in "divisions" depending on translation, but if specifically rendered as 'courses', then:)

  • Word: מַחְלְקֹות (maḥlĕqôt), referring to "divisions, courses, classes."
  • Significance: Emphasizes the rotation system and specific assignments of priests and Levites. Each course would serve for a particular period, then others would take their turn, ensuring fairness and efficiency in a large priestly and Levitical body.

• for the service (לַעֲבֹדַת - la‘avōdat):

  • Word: עֲבֹדָה (avōdah), meaning "work, service, labor, ministry."
  • Significance: Highlights the core purpose of their appointment: dedicated service. This wasn't merely a status but an active engagement in performing the duties prescribed by the Law for the worship of God. This term also covers both ritual sacrifice and the logistical aspects of Temple operation.

• of the house of the Lord (בֵּית יְהוָה - beit Yĕhovah):

  • Word: בַּיִת (bayit) "house, temple," and יְהוָה (YHWH), the proper name of God, the Lord.
  • Significance: The focus of their service is specifically the sanctuary, the place of God's presence, not just any building. This elevates the work to sacred, holy duty, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and Israel. It was God's dwelling place, demanding precise, pure, and consecrated service.

• and encouraged them (וַיְחַזְּקֵם - vayḥazzĕqēm):

  • Word: חַזַּק (ḥazzaq) from the root חָזַק (ḥazaq), meaning "to be strong, firm." In the Piel stem, "to strengthen, encourage, reinforce."
  • Significance: More than just command, this signifies a positive act of moral support and empowering. The priests and Levites might have been dispirited or had neglected their duties due to prior wicked reigns (like Manasseh's). Josiah not only provided structure but also infused them with confidence and resolve for their sacred task. This word implies a restorative spiritual dimension, equipping them for the rigorous work ahead, recognizing that external structures require internal zeal.

2 Chronicles 35 2 Bonus section

The chronicler highlights Josiah's actions here to demonstrate his adherence to Mosaic and Davidic law, framing him as an ideal king who sought full covenant fidelity. The extensive historical details regarding priestly and Levite organization, often seen as dry lists, become significant because their proper functioning was essential for Israel's worship life. Their neglect directly correlated with the nation's spiritual decline. Josiah's restoration of these roles meant a restoration of national righteousness before God. Furthermore, the mention of "encouragement" reflects a pastoral aspect of leadership, recognizing that even those consecrated for holy service require motivation and support, especially after periods of spiritual darkness or neglect, to fully embrace their God-given tasks. This comprehensive approach to reform – purging evil, restoring structure, and empowering personnel – exemplifies a complete spiritual renewal movement led by a devout king.

2 Chronicles 35 2 Commentary

2 Chronicles 35:2 provides insight into Josiah's meticulous and zealous reform. His actions were not just about removing idolatry but critically, about reinstating authentic worship. By appointing and encouraging the priests and Levites, he demonstrated a comprehensive understanding that true reformation involved both the cleansing of impurity and the diligent practice of prescribed righteousness. The focus on "divisions" and "service of the house of the Lord" emphasizes adherence to God's established order rather than human innovation. This verse underscores that spiritual revival often necessitates practical, organizational reform. Josiah understood that effective spiritual leadership required actively empowering those responsible for sacred duties, addressing their potential weakness or discouragement from years of religious decay. His encouragement strengthened their resolve, enabling the magnificent Passover that followed, thereby facilitating communal spiritual restoration through proper worship.

• Example 1 (Personal/Communal): Just as Josiah encouraged the Levites, Christian leaders are called to strengthen those serving in their churches, ensuring they are properly equipped and encouraged in their specific ministries.
• Example 2 (Obedience): The emphasis on "divisions" reminds believers to serve within God's ordered church, fulfilling roles according to spiritual gifts and callings, not self-designed structures.